The state is offering free lifeguard training to those who qualify in an effort to fill open jobs at all eight of Connecticut’s lifeguarded state beaches.
Chris Collibee, a spokesperson for the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, told NBC Connecticut that they plan to make sure lifeguards will be available on busy summer weekends and holidays, but those heading to state beaches on weekdays should not expect lifeguards if the state is unable to fully staff all positions soon.
"If high school kids or college kids don’t have a job at this point, and you’re looking for a good job and you’re a good swimmer, we offer training to be a lifeguard," Collibee said.
The lifeguard training will be free for the first time, Collibee added, in an effort to fill the remaining 10 to 20 open lifeguard jobs statewide. The advertised pay is $10 to $14 per hour, according to their job postings online.
Collibee said DEEP is particularly concerned about lifeguard staffing at the state parks at Silver Sands in Milford, Indian Wells in Shelton, and Sherwood Island in Westport.
For more information about becoming a lifeguard and to apply, click here.
